Legal Aid Agency - Digital Transformation Deputy Director
Justice Digital, Data and Science
SCS Pay Band 1
Closing Date: 23:55 on Sunday 9th August 2026
1
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About the Ministry of Justice
The Ministry of Justice is at the
and complex portfolio, our priorities focus
on delivering better outcomes for the public
centre of the justice system, with
through three core strategic aims:
responsibility for services that
• Protecting the public and reducing
are fundamental to public
reoffending by strengthening prison,
confidence, the rule of law and
probation and youth justice services so
that punishment is effective,
the effective functioning of
rehabilitation is credible and
society. We lead work that
communities are safer.
As a major ministerial department, the
protects the public, supports
Ministry of Justice works to protect and
• Delivering swifter and more effective
victims, safeguards rights and
advance the principles of justice. Our
justice for victims and court users
ambition is to deliver a modern, high-
through modern, efficient and resilient
enables individuals, families,
performing justice system that commands
courts and tribunals services.
communities and businesses to
confidence, responds to changing demands
• Upholding the rule of law and sustaining
access justice fairly and
and works for everyone in society.
a justice system that is accessible, fair
efficiently.
The department’s work has profound
and outward-looking, while supporting
national significance. It helps keep people
world-leading legal services and wider
safe, underpins fairness and due process,
economic growth.
protects individual rights and supports the
confidence on which economic activity and
For further information about the Ministry of
social stability depend. Across this broad
Justice and the breadth of its work, please
visit: Ministry of Justice
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Welcome to Service Transformation Group
Thank you for your
At the Ministry of Justice, we serve millions
You’ll lead a team of up to 100
of people every year, often during the most
professionals and manage a £35 million
interest in this exciting
difficult moments in their lives. Our mission
annual budget.
opportunity with the
is to make services smarter, faster, and
more human - through the delivery of
This is a challenging and meaningful digital
Justice Digital and Data
secure, scalable, and modern technology
leadership role in the Civil Service.
Directorate.
platforms.
It demands an entrepreneurial mindset,
technical vision, and the ability to lead at
As LAA Digital Transformation Deputy
Director within the Strategic Transformation
scale - but it also offers the chance to make
Group, you’ll be front and centre of this
a lasting impact on society.
transformation, delivering a vision of what
If you’re excited by the opportunity to shape
the legal aid system will look like in the 21st
the future of justice through delivering a
Century.
range of ground-breaking products, we look
You will be defining the long-term product
forward to receiving your application.
strategy, ensuring resilience of statutory
Best wishes,
services, leading recovery and
modernisation of legacy technology, and
Mark Thompson
providing strategic advice to Ministers and
Chief Digital Information Officer
This is a great opportunity to play a key
senior leaders. The postholder will lead
leadership role in an ambitious digital and
large multidisciplinary product, design and
technology transformation in government -
research teams while ensuring investment
transforming the legal aid system in
delivers measurable outcomes for users
England and Wales.
and the department.
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The Role
Job Title
reflecting the deliverables identified. This is
Salary
an expectation rather than a contractual
Legal Aid Agency - Digital Transformation
The salary for this role falls within the MoJ
requirement and does not form part of your
Deputy Director
terms and conditions.
SCS Pay Band 1 range (£86,000 to
Location
£117,800).
If applying as job share partners, please
review the guidance here; hub page | Civil
National
For external candidates, the starting salary
on appointment is expected to be £86,000
Service Careers (civil-service-
All successful candidates will be appointed
careers.gov.uk)
per annum.
to the nearest viable office nearest to their
The Role
home postcode. This will be at either an
Existing Civil Servants will be appointed on
HQ building (subject to desk allocation), a
level transfer or promotion in line with Civil
The LAA Digital Transformation Deputy
JCC or JSO - See Map.
Service pay arrangements. On promotion,
Director will lead the end-to-end
salary will increase either to the minimum
transformation of the Digital and Technical
All employees will be expected to spend a
of the SCS Pay Band 1 range or by up to
Estate for the Legal Aid Agency (LAA). The
minimum of 60% of their working time in an
10% of current basic salary, excluding
office (subject to local estate capacity). The
individual will be solely accountable for
MoJ is working to open more Justice
allowances, whichever is greater.
ensuring successful execution of a multi-
Collaboration Centres and Justice Satellite
Candidates appointed on level transfer will
year, complex programme of work,
Offices over time.
retain their existing basic salary, excluding
delivering a responsive, sustainable, and
allowances.
future-proof technology estate, embedding
Please review the FAQs for further
modern ways of working and enabling
Contract Type
information on travel expectations and the
benefits realisation across the organisation.
level of flexibility associated with the role.
This role is offered on a permanent basis.
This is a high profile, critical area of work,
which will face significant internal and
This role has an expected minimum
assignment duration of three years,
external scrutiny, up to and including
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ministerial level.
• Provide visible and effective leadership,
projects. Define clear roles,
working with senior colleagues across
responsibilities and accountabilities that
The individual will manage the supply chain
the estate to deliver the programme
align with organisational practice.
of delivery partners to design and
business case benefits and outcomes.
Monitor the effectiveness of controls
implement new services covering the full
and ensure that recommendations from
remit of the legal aid scheme in England
• Build strong networks both internally
external reviews are acted upon.
and Wales and be accountable for a budget
and externally, utilising these
of up to £35m and a range of
connections and excellent interpersonal
• Developing effective project control
multifunctional teams comprised civil
skills to work collaboratively and in
frameworks and strategies. Create a
servants, contractors and managed
partnership to achieve outcomes.
culture of continuous improvement and
services.
learning from experience. Identify
• Manage the programme budget,
interdependencies, common capabilities
The role requires a confident individual who
ensuring that accurate plans and
and opportunities for linking up, re-using
can demonstrate the ability to build and
financial models for future phases are
and sharing of methods and resources
lead a high-performing team, manage
developed and agreed and forecast
and drive implementation to realise
interdependencies across the MoJ and its
actual costs against them.
efficiencies.
partner organisations, including Justice
•
Digital, Technology Services, the Legal Aid
Build strategic relationships with internal
• Lead a multi -disciplinary team through
Agency (LAA) and MoJ Policy, as well as
and external suppliers and delivery
either matrix or direct leadership
other government departments. The
partners, managing their delivery in
ensuring that these specialisms are high
successful candidate will also need to
support of the project outcomes
performing.
secure stakeholder engagement, influence
• Drive continuous improvement of Risks
decision-making, and build support at all
Additional Responsibilities
and Issues management processes
levels, including with Ministers.
within the project and programme,
• Form part of the leadership team of the
driving innovation and introducing the
department, supporting the Chief Digital
Key Responsibilities
latest learning from professional bodies
Officer to meet all corporate
Reporting into the Chief Digital Officer you
and academic research
responsibilities.
will:
• Establish and maintain governance
arrangements for the delivery of
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Person Specification
Throughout the selection process, you
Essential Experience:
MoJ SCS Pay Band 1 Behaviours:
should provide clear evidence and
examples that demonstrate how you meet
• Experience leading complex programmes
You will also be assessed against the following
the essential and desirable criteria for the
and projects.
Behaviours during the Recruitment Process:
role.
• A deep understanding of different digital
• Leadership
Later in this pack, you will find details of
technologies, cloud adoption, and modern
• Communicating and Influencing
which elements will be assessed at each
delivery practices (Agile, Lean)
stage of the process, helping you focus
• Delivering at Pace
your application and prepare effectively.
• Comprehensive understanding of best
• Making Effective Decisions
practise in the delivery of digital
transformation.
Desirable Experience:
• Strong understanding of the delivery
mechanisms of legal aid i.e. all end-to-end
business processes and policies.
• Strong understanding of Justice Digital,
Treasury and IPA Major Programme
governance
• Managing Successful Programmes
Accreditation or equivalent.
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Recruitment Process
Support during the selection process Applications must be received by 23:55 on
After the Application Stage
Sunday 9th August 2026. As part of your
If you need support or would like to discuss
application, you will be asked to provide:
You will be informed whether your application
any aspect of the process, please contact the
has been shortlisted for the next stage. If
SCS Recruitment Team at
Eligibility responses confirming that you meet
shortlisted, we will contact you with full details
scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk. We are here to the requirements to apply.
of the next part of the process and any
help candidates engage with the process
An indication of whether you wish to request
preparation required.
confidently and fairly.
reasonable adjustments during the selection
Due to the anticipated volume of applications,
Stages of the selection process
process. The Disability Support section
explains the support available.
we are unable to provide feedback to
candidates who are not shortlisted. Candidates
Internal Stakeholder Conversations
1. A CV and Statement of Suitability setting out
who are shortlisted and attend interview will be
clear evidence of how you meet the essential
You are invited to arrange an informal
offered verbal feedback from a member of the
experience set out on page 6. The Statement
conversation with Prem Ramaraj to learn more
panel.
of Suitability should be no more than 1000
about the opportunity and the organisation
words.
Panel Interview and Presentation
before submitting an application. This
conversation is separate from the assessed 2. Please note that if you do not submit both a You will be invited to attend an interview and
process and is intended to help you make an
CV and a Supporting Statement, the panel
presentation with the selection panel. You will
informed decision about applying.
may have insufficient evidence on which to be asked to prepare a verbal 5-minute
assess your application against the person presentation based on a topic that will be
Application
specification.
provided in advance. The interview and
presentation will last approximately 45
Applications must be submitted online via the
Find out more information and guidance on our minutes.
link in the advertisement for this role.
application process here.
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What is being assessed?
Behaviours, as listed on page 6.
After the Panel Interview
Following the interview stage, the panel will
consider all evidence and identify the
appointable candidate. Candidates will be
notified of the outcome as soon as possible
after interviews conclude. If you are not
appointed but meet the required standard, you
may be invited to have your details retained on
a merit list for future SCS opportunities.
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Guidance for Writing your Statement and CV
As part of your application, you will be asked to submit a CV and
Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate
Statement of Suitability. Together, these should provide clear evidence and inappropriate use.
that you meet the essential criteria set out in the Person Specification.
Read the role information carefully and address each essential criterion Providing a name-blind CV and Success Profile Statements
with relevant evidence. Focus on your most significant and recent
Please ensure your CV and Statement of Suitability are name-blind.
achievements, making clear the context, scale of your contribution and Remove personal information that is not relevant to the assessment of
the impact you delivered.
your suitability for the role, for
example;
When preparing your Statement of Suitability, it may help to:
• Name and title
• Present your evidence clearly so the panel can see how your
• Educational institution names
experience aligns to the essential criteria.
• Age and gender
• Email address
• Use recent, relevant examples that show the scale of your
• Postal address and telephone number
responsibilities, the complexity you handled and the outcomes you
• Nationality and immigration status.
achieved.
Using AI in your application
This supports a fair and objective assessment by enabling the panel to
focus on your evidence, capability and potential rather than personal
Artificial Intelligence may help you shape or refine your application, but identifiers.
everything you submit must be accurate, authentic and based on your
own experience. Examples should reflect your personal contribution
For more information and guidance on how to write your Statement and
and judgement. Applications may be withdrawn where content is
CV please visit the Senior Civil Service web page.
misleading, plagiarised or not the candidate’s own work. Internal
candidates may also be subject to disciplinary action.
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Civil Service Behaviours
What are Behaviours?
within the organisation. You empower teams
changing requirements. You manage resource
and individuals to excel by creating a shared
effectively to enable those in your area of
The Civil Service recruits using Success
vision and objectives and demonstrate trust in responsibility to deliver. You delegate
Profiles. Behaviours are one element of that
staff by giving autonomy.
effectively, managing any risks associated with
framework and help assess how candidates
doing so.
demonstrate the leadership qualities,
Communicating and Influencing
judgement and ways of working needed to
Making Effective Decisions
succeed in the role.
You communicate clearly and with confidence,
both verbally and in writing. You are open,
You make defensible, objective and fair high-
For this campaign, the behaviours most
honest and transparent in your
impact decisions, considering the impact on
relevant to the role will be assessed during the communications. You communicate effectively the service user and wider organisation. You
interview stage of the process. The
with internal and external senior stakeholders
are willing to take ownership of your decisions,
descriptions below are included to help you
to present information in a convincing and
being transparent and open about the reasons
understand what each behaviour looks like in
influential manner. You tailor your
for them. You effectively analyse data to make
practice.
communication methods and content to the
evidence-based decisions, whilst being
audience, simplifying strategic messages.
comfortable taking considered risks based on
Leadership
the best evidence available. You consult with
Delivering at Pace
You visibly demonstrate the organisation’s
others to incorporate views and professional
values in all your activity, leading authentically. You translate organisational strategy into clear expertise, ensuring appropriate individuals are
You seek to engage staff in the aims of the
objectives for activity within your area of
involved in the decision-making process.
organisation and communicate the
responsibility. You promote this amongst staff
For further guidance on Behaviours and
organisation’s strategy in an inspiring way. You and ensure teams take responsibility for
Success Profiles, please visit our Senior Civil
create an inclusive and fair culture which
delivering against objectives. You prioritise
Service web page.
creates a sense of belonging by treating staff
competing or conflicting demands, and are
as individuals and actively valuing diversity
able to decisively adjust activity based on
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Expected Timeline
We will aim to offer as much flexibility as possible; however, it may not always be feasible to provide alternative dates for assessments or
interviews. We therefore encourage candidates to review the timetable carefully and keep the relevant dates available where possible. Please
note that the timetable may be subject to change.
The anticipated timetable is as follows:
Advert Closing Date
23:55 on Sunday 9th August 2026
Outcome of CV and Statement of Suitability
Week commencing 17th August 2026
Panel Interview and Presentation
Week commencing 24th August 2026
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Working at the Ministry of Justice
Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing The Civil Service Pension Scheme is a
significant part of the overall reward package,
The Ministry of Justice offers senior leaders
offering long-term security and valuable
the opportunity to lead work of national
benefits for you and your family. Further details
importance in an organisation defined by public are available at
purpose, integrity and visible impact. Our
www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk.
values—purpose, humanity, openness and
together—shape a culture of pace, integrity
Generous Annual Leave and Bank Holiday
and inclusive leadership. We are committed to Allowance
a diverse, high-performing workplace that
reflects the society we serve, where different
You will receive 25 days’ annual leave on
perspectives, wellbeing, belonging and
entry, rising to 30 days after five years’ service,
sustainable leadership matter.
in addition to 8 public holidays and a day of
paid privilege leave to mark the King’s
The Civil Service Code
Benefits
Birthday.
The Civil Service Code sets out the values and As part of the Ministry of Justice, you will
Flexible Working
standards expected of all civil servants. Issued benefit from a competitive package that
by the Prime Minister as Minister for the Civil
supports your wellbeing, flexibility and longer-
We support flexible and hybrid working where
Service, it is founded on four core principles—
term career development, including:
this aligns with the needs of the role and the
integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality—
business, helping leaders balance impact,
and forms part of the contractual relationship
Pension
collaboration and personal wellbeing.
between civil servants and their employer.
You will have access to the alpha pension
Further information on benefits, including
scheme, which includes a 28.97% employer
pension, leave and Equality, Diversity,
contribution and comparatively low member
Inclusion and Wellbeing support, is available
contributions by public sector standards.
on our Senior Civil Service web page.
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Disability Support
Do you offer a Disability Confident Scheme for Disabled Persons? Examples may include:
As a Disability Confident employer, the Ministry of Justice is committed • Extra time to complete assessments.
to creating a recruitment process that is fair, accessible and inclusive.
• Providing a break within an assessment.
In most campaigns, disabled candidates who meet the minimum
• Providing interview questions in a written format at the interview as
selection criteria will be offered an interview. You will be able to indicate
well as orally.
on the application form whether you would like to be considered under
• An interview at a certain time of day.
this scheme.
What reasonable adjustments can be made if I have a disability?
These examples are illustrative rather than exhaustive. Appropriate
support will depend on your individual circumstances, and each request
We want every candidate to be able to take part in the selection
will be considered thoughtfully and on its own merits.
process on a fair and equitable basis. For senior roles, that means
giving you the opportunity to demonstrate your experience, judgement
We will make every reasonable effort to provide the adjustments
and leadership capability fully, with reasonable adjustments in place
requested. Where a particular adjustment is not possible, we will
where needed.
explain this clearly and work with you to explore appropriate
alternatives wherever we can.
If you would like to request support or discuss an adjustment in
confidence, please indicate this on your application form by selecting
Help with your application
‘yes’ to reasonable adjustments and responding to the Reasonable
Adjustments Scheme team by email. We encourage you to raise any
If you think you may need an adjustment, we encourage you to contact
requirements as early as possible so that arrangements can be put in
us as early as possible so arrangements can be made with sufficient
place in good time.
notice and support can be tailored to your needs.
How we can support you
If your circumstances change during the process, or you identify a need
for support after applying, please contact the SCS Recruitment team in
A range of reasonable adjustments can be considered across the
advance of your next assessment wherever possible.
selection process, depending on your circumstances and the nature of
the assessment. Our aim is to work with you to identify support that
If you have any questions before applying about reasonable
enables you to take part with confidence and on an equal footing.
adjustments, please contact the SCS Recruitment team at
scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk. We will be happy to help.
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Diversity and Inclusion
At the Ministry of Justice, we believe inclusive,
We know the strongest leadership teams reflect the diversity of the
respectful and high-performing workplaces are
society they serve. That is why we are committed to building an
essential to delivering better outcomes for the public. inclusive Civil Service where talented people from all backgrounds can
We want talented people from every background to
thrive, contribute and lead with confidence.
feel welcomed, valued and able to succeed here.
Our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy focuses on creating a Civil Service
That commitment shapes how we recruit, develop
that:
and support our people—and helps create an
• draws on the broadest possible range of talent, experience and
environment where diverse perspectives strengthen
perspective
leadership, decision-making and impact.
• is visible, accessible and open to people from all backgrounds
• supports flexible, inclusive ways of working that help people and
performance flourish
• attracts, develops and retains exceptional leaders at every stage
of their career
For executive candidates, this means joining an organisation that
values inclusive leadership, sees difference as a strength, and is
committed to creating the conditions for diverse talent to succeed,
influence and shape outcomes of national importance.
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FAQs
Can I apply if I am not currently a civil
in exceptional circumstances.
should first contact
servant?
scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk.
Am I eligible to apply for this role?
Yes. This role is open to both internal and
If you are not satisfied with the response, you
external applicants.
For further guidance on eligibility to apply for
may escalate your complaint in the following
this role, please refer to GOV.UK.
Is this role suitable for part-time working?
order:
Is security clearance required?
This role is offered on a full-time basis. Flexible
1. Shared Services Connected Ltd (0845 241
working options, including job share, may be
Yes. If successful, you will be required to
5358, Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 18:00, or
considered where they align with business
obtain security clearance to SC level, if you do
(Moj-recruitment-vetting-
need.
not already hold it. Further information about
enquiries@gov.sscl.com)
the vetting process can be found here.
Where will the role be based?
2. Ministry of Justice Resourcing (resourcing-
Will this role be overseen by the Civil
services@justice.gov.uk)
If appointed, your base location will be
Service Commission?
National.
3. Civil Service Commission
No. However, this recruitment campaign will be
(civilservicecommission.independent.gov.u
Please note that relocation expenses will not
conducted in accordance with the Civil Service
k/contact-us)
be payable.
Commission’s Recruitment Principles.
What should I do if I think that I have a
The role will require travel predominantly to
What do I do if I want to make a complaint? conflict of interest?
London, but some cross-country travel will also
be required.
All appointments to the Civil Service must be
If you believe you may have a conflict of
made on merit, on the basis of fair and open
interest, you must declare this before
Can I claim back any expenses incurred
competition, and in line with the Civil Service
submitting your application by contacting the
during the recruitment process?
Commission’s Recruitment Principles.
SCS Recruitment team at
scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk.
Expenses incurred during the recruitment
If you believe these principles have not been
process will not usually be reimbursed, except followed and wish to make a complaint, you
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Data Sharing
We will handle your personal information with care
• Sensitive personal data includes information such as racial or
ethnic origin, religious beliefs, trade union membership, health
and in line with applicable data protection law,
data and other special category data protected by law.
including the UK General Data Protection Regulation
• Processing may be necessary for reasons of substantial public
and the Data Protection Act 2018.
interest, including the exercise of functions by the Crown, a
Minister of the Crown or a government department, and to
Data Sharing
understand whether different groups experience the Civil Service
To administer your application, your personal data will be shared only
differently so that appropriate action can be taken.
with the Ministry of Justice SCS Recruitment Team, panel members
• Processing may also be necessary to identify or review equality
and others directly involved in the recruitment process where
of opportunity and treatment between groups, with a view to
necessary.
promoting or maintaining that equality.
The legal basis for processing your personal data is:
• If you are successful, relevant sensitive personal data will also
• Processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried
be used during onboarding to create your employee record.
out in the public interest. In practice, this supports the fair and
• For further information please see the GDPR Privacy Notice.
effective administration of recruitment and helps the Civil Service
improve candidate and employee experience.
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Contact Us
Should candidates wish to discuss the role in more detail
before submitting an application, please contact SCS
Recruitment on scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk
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